Damn Lucky

One Man's Courage During the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History

De: Kevin Maurer

Narrado por: Holter Graham, John Luckadoo

From Kevin Maurer—the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning coauthor of No Easy Day—comes the true story of a World War II bomber pilot who survived twenty-five missions in Damn Lucky, “an epic, thrillingly written, utterly immersive account of a very lucky, incredible survivor of the war in the skies to defeat Hitler” (New York Times bestselling author Alex Kershaw).

“We were young citizen-soldiers, terribly naive and gullible about what we would be confronted with in the air war over Europe and the profound effect it would have upon every fiber of our being for the rest of our lives. We were all afraid, but it was beyond our power to quit. We volunteered for the service and, once trained and overseas, felt we had no choice but to fulfill the mission assigned. My hope is that this book honors the men with whom I served by telling the truth about what it took to climb into the cold blue and fight for our lives over and over again.”—John “Lucky” Luckadoo, Major, USAF (Ret.) 100th Bomb Group (H)

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was a world away from John Luckadoo’s hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. But when the Japanese attacked the American naval base on December 7, 1941, he didn’t hesitate to join the military. Trained as a pilot with the United States Air Force, Second Lieutenant Luckadoo was assigned to the 100th Bomb Group stationed in Thorpe Abbotts, England. Between June and October 1943, he flew B-17 Flying Fortresses over France and Germany on bombing runs devised to destroy the Nazi war machine.

With a shrapnel torn Bible in his flight jacket pocket and his girlfriend’s silk stocking around his neck like a scarf as talismans, Luckadoo piloted through Luftwaffe machine-gun fire and antiaircraft flak while enduring subzero temperatures to complete twenty-five missions and his combat service. The average bomber crew rarely survived after eight to twelve missions. Knowing far too many airmen who wouldn’t be returning home, Luckadoo closed off his emotions and focused on his tasks to finish his tour of duty one moment at a time, realizing his success was more about being lucky than being skilled.

Drawn from Luckadoo’s firsthand accounts, acclaimed war correspondent Kevin Maurer shares his extraordinary tale from war to peacetime, uncovering astonishing feats of bravery during the bloodiest military campaign in aviation history, and presenting an incredible portrait of a young man’s coming-of-age during the world’s most devastating war.

This program includes a bonus conversation between John "Lucky" Luckadoo and the author.

©2022 Kevin Maurer (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

The story of a boy who grew up, and became a man.

What a story, and a journey. Lucky was able to step up to the challenge of his dreams of being a pilot in the Armies Air Core in WW2. As many young people he didn't know how hard war can be. Many days as pilot in the Air core he flew a B17 Flying Fortress. Many days he never knew if he'd be alive the next day. Yet he did his best for his crew, his family, and himself. A great story of bravery. A must read or listen. Lucky thank you for all you have done.

An awesome listen

Learn more about WWII flying in the B-17 by flying into battle. You'll feel the emotions and pain these men endured.

Excellent!

What a collaboration between author and subject to get his full story documented. Probably the best WWII book I’ve ever read.

Outstanding Book

Great story. Being able to have the Q&A with Lucky was a huge plus. I only wish I could have spoken to more of those brave men.

We are all Damn Lucky

Fantastic and gripping account of the 100th Bomb Group and John Luckadoo’s story. Cuts through the romance and nostalgia of war time heroics and puts you right into the B-17 with Lucky and his crews. While I’m usually a fan of physical books, the bonus conversation with Mr. Luckadoo was pure gold. It was profound to hear his voice all these years later. Was he Damn Lucky? Maybe. But we are ALL Damn Lucky he and his comrades rose to the occasion 80 years ago.

Great story of Greatest Generation

Interesting, exciting and deeply personal story. Very real. Without trying, it shows the horror and futility of war, while honoring the valiant efforts of those who fought. Should be required reading for all.

Inspiring story on the sacrifice lucky made for his country.

War is a difficult story to repeat for many who participate. This story is a very inspiring recollection of a man’s ability to overcome many challenges that were fortunately rewarded by a long fulfilling life. Those of us whom are fortunate to live in this country need to understand and appreciate what our fellow citizens did to protect our freedoms. Most of today’s citizens are lacking the heroism of those who served before us and we all need to reflect. As lucky says we need to remain United and this book inspires me to promote that to the best of my ability!

lucky

nothing great Book. Loved masters of the air. this is easier to relate to because it's less technIcal.

Such a great story

I have listened to several stories of the men who flew with the Bloody 100th. Every story is different and at the same time, very similar. I have cried at the end of each book as the men's story came to an end. I am so glad that so many told their side of the story, especially for the men that didn't get to return home. I am a child of 2 WWII veterans and oh how I wish that I could ask them some more questions. But, I will just have to be satisfied with listening to these other great men's accounts.

must read

i’ve read many accounts of the WWII allied bombing effort and this is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject that I have had the pleasure to read-A must read for anyone not only from a historical perspective but there are some valuable life lessons to be taken heed of as well. buy this now